Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Clinics in Thailand

Plastic surgeon or cosmetic doctor

Any licensed doctor in Thailand can describe themselves as offering cosmetic treatment, but a plastic surgeon has completed specialist surgical training. Thai plastic surgeons usually list a diploma or certificate of the Thai Board of Plastic Surgery on their hospital profile, often after a Thai Board of Surgery certificate. Some also list membership of the Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand or international bodies such as ISAPS.

Check the licence yourself. The Medical Council of Thailand's public lookup (tmc.or.th/check_md) searches by first name and surname and shows whether the licence is current and any recorded specialty. Ask the clinic for the surgeon's full name and licence number rather than relying on a nickname or a screenshot.

Since 3 July 2026 a Medical Council rule requires doctors who advertise cosmetic services to show their full name and medical licence number, with any nickname alongside it. An advert, influencer post or sales message that names no doctor, or only a nickname, is a reason to ask more questions before paying anything.

Hospital, cosmetic hospital or clinic

Large private hospitals run plastic surgery centres with intensive care and other specialists in the same building. Dedicated cosmetic surgery hospitals are smaller and focus on elective surgery, typically with their own beds and operating theatres. Clinics may operate on site under local anaesthesia and send patients to a partner hospital for general anaesthesia.

Thai facilities are licensed by the Department of Health Service Support, whose lookup at hosp.hss.moph.go.th shows a facility's licence type, operator and status. Check that the place where you will actually be operated on, not only the consultation clinic, is licensed, and whether it is licensed to keep patients overnight.

• Where will the operation take place, and is that facility licensed?
• Is there an intensive care unit on site, or a written transfer arrangement?
• Will you stay overnight, and who monitors you?

Anaesthesia and safety in theatre

Ask who will give the anaesthetic, and whether a specialist anaesthesiologist will be present throughout if you are having general anaesthesia or deep sedation. Ask whether the procedure is planned under local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia, and whether you will need tests or a medical clearance first; several hospitals charge for this separately or require a cardiology review for older patients.

Be cautious about combining several large procedures in one operation to fit a holiday. Ask the surgeon how combining procedures changes the risk; after examining you, they may advise staging them.

Consultation and realistic expectations

The NHS advises two consultations with the surgeon before surgery, allowing a cooling-off period, and says the consultation should be with the surgeon, not only with sales staff. The surgeon should explain what the operation can and cannot achieve, the alternatives, and the risks and complications, and should be able to show before-and-after photographs of their own work.

Remote consultations by video or messaging can help you shortlist, but the surgeon cannot finalise a plan without examining you. Ask what happens to your deposit if, on examination, the surgeon recommends a different procedure or advises against surgery.

Planning the trip and recovery

Both surgery and long flights raise the risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), which can be life-threatening. The NHS and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons advise not flying for 5 to 7 days after breast surgery or liposuction, and for 7 to 10 days after facial procedures and tummy tucks. Thai providers' own recommended stays for breast augmentation run from about seven to nine days, usually until stitches are removed and a check-up is done.

Plan recovery, not a holiday. Sunbathing, swimming, alcohol, long tours and strenuous activity can delay healing or raise the risk of infection, which ASPS reports as the most common complication after surgery abroad. Choose accommodation close to the hospital, and agree in advance how you will contact the surgical team at night.

Complications, revisions and follow-up at home

Ask for the provider's complication and revision policy in writing. Some publish detailed terms: one Phuket institute, for example, requires concerns to be raised in writing within 12 months, reviews cases by committee, and excludes inherent risks such as capsular contracture and stays shorter than the recommended minimum. Others offer short hospital warranties alongside the implant manufacturer's cover. Know which applies, who pays for flights and accommodation for a revision, and whether surgery by another surgeon voids the cover.

Before you leave, ask for an operation note, discharge summary and implant details (brand, size and lot number). Talk to your own doctor before you travel; they are likely to be the first person you see if a problem appears later. The NHS notes that standard travel insurance normally does not cover problems arising from surgery.

Published prices and what packages include

Several Thai hospitals publish package prices, but what they cover varies. One Bangkok hospital's packages include the theatre, surgical and anaesthetic teams, operation medicines and a standard room, but exclude implants, the pre-operative medical clearance, laboratory tests, pathology and treatment of complications. Another clinic's breast package includes implants within a size range, one night's stay and follow-up, but adds surcharges for larger implants and a 3% card fee.

Compare total quotes, not headline prices. Check the validity date on any promotion, whether it is limited to certain surgeons or to fly-in patients, and the deposit terms. GOV.UK notes that private hospitals in Thailand usually ask self-funding patients for a deposit before treatment begins.

• Surgeon's and anaesthesiologist's fees
• Implant brand, size range and any surcharge
• Number of nights and room type
• Pre-operative tests and medical clearance
• Take-home medicines, garments and follow-up visits
• Treatment of complications and any revision